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What: “The Greatest Player Who Never Lived”

By: Michael Veron

Published by: Sleeping Bear Press, 286 pages, $22.95

Charley Hunter is a first-year clerk whose mundane task for the summer is to organize the papers of a long-deceased partner in an Atlanta law firm. Little does Hunter know he’s in for the ride of his life.

The former partner is Bobby Jones, the golfer, and Hunter uncovers information about a close relationship between Jones and an unknown golfer with skill that even dwarfed the master himself. Hunter becomes obsessed with the search for the story of Beau Stedman, a young man running from a checkered past who, under assumed names, played--and defeated--the best golfers of his time.

This short novel is a seamless blend of fact and fantasy that instructs while it entertains. It’s a quick, gripping read, and a remarkably smooth effort for first-time novelist Veron. He’s going to have some challenge topping this one with his next book.

Available in bookstores or on the Internet at Sleepingbearpress.com.